vertebrate vertebratehaving vertebrae or having a backbone or spinal column. Fish and humans are examples of vertebrates. Related Articles: Glossary: pectoral girdleWhy is sound important to marine animals?Featured Sound: Beluga WhaleSound and Signal: How Fishes Hear and Communicate Through SoundSound ReceptionMedia Backgrounder Chris Knowlton2017-02-26T20:10:03-05:00